Questions veterans ask about living overseas
Straight answers, with links to the full guides.
What does OCONUS mean?
OCONUS means Outside the Continental United States. OCONUS Veterans is for U.S. veterans living overseas.
Is OCONUS Veterans free?
Yes. The community is free. Optional paid tiers support the mission and help vets build income abroad.
Do I need to prove I'm a veteran to join?
No paperwork is required, but stolen valor gets you removed and banned.
Is there a VA hospital overseas?
No. The only VA facility outside the U.S. is the VA Manila Outpatient Clinic in the Philippines. Elsewhere, VA pays for service-connected care through the Foreign Medical Program.
Is there a VA hospital in the Philippines?
There is a VA outpatient clinic, not a hospital. The VA Manila Outpatient Clinic in Pasay City is the only VA facility outside the United States. Inpatient care for service-connected conditions is covered through the Foreign Medical Program.
What visa do retired veterans use in the Philippines?
Most use the SRRV retiree visa from the Philippine Retirement Authority, or the 13(a) visa if married to a Filipino citizen.
Can I get VA disability paid in the Philippines?
Yes. VA compensation is payable abroad, and the Philippines is on VA's international direct deposit list.
Is there a VA clinic in Pattaya?
No. There is no VA-operated clinic anywhere in Thailand. Pattaya has private providers that work with the VA Foreign Medical Program, including Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and a private veterans clinic that opened in 2026.
How long can Americans stay in Thailand without a visa?
30 days since September 15, 2026, reduced from 60 days. Confirm on the official Thai e-Visa site before travel.
What is the Thailand retirement visa for veterans?
The Non-O retirement extension (age 50+) with 800,000 THB in the bank or 65,000 THB monthly income, or the O-A, which also requires health insurance.
Does Vietnam have a retirement visa?
No. Most veterans living in Vietnam rotate 90-day e-visas or use a family visa through a Vietnamese spouse.
Can veterans use VA benefits in Vietnam?
VA compensation can be paid abroad, and service-connected care is reimbursed through the Foreign Medical Program.
Can veterans retire in Cambodia?
Yes. The ER retirement extension can be renewed for up to 12 months at a time, usually for those 55 and older with proof of retirement.
Is there a VFW post in Cambodia?
Yes. VFW Post 11575 (Mayaguez Memorial) meets in Phnom Penh.
How long can Americans stay in Malaysia?
90 days visa-free. You must complete the MDAC arrival card before travel.
What is MM2H?
Malaysia My Second Home, a long-stay residence program with tiered deposit and property requirements.
Can U.S. veterans retire in Bali?
Yes, with a retirement KITAS, usually for those 55 and over with proof of pension and health insurance.
Does a military pension qualify for Mexican residency?
Pension income counts toward Mexico's economic solvency test. A DFAS retiree statement is the usual proof. Confirm the current amount with your consulate.
Is there an American Legion in Mexico?
Yes. The Department of Latin America has posts at Lake Chapala, Ajijic, Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay and Mexico City.
How much income do I need to retire in Costa Rica?
The pensionado category requires a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 a month.
Is there a VA phone line in Costa Rica?
The VA Foreign Medical Program has an in-country toll-free number: 0800-013-0759.
Can I use my military retirement for Panama's Pensionado visa?
Yes. Panama accepts lifetime government pensions of at least USD 1,000 a month.
Is there VA fraud in Panama?
In 2025 VA suspended about 50 Panama providers over Foreign Medical Program fraud. Check VA's FMP alerts before choosing a provider.
What pension do I need to retire in Colombia?
At least 3 times the Colombian monthly minimum wage, roughly USD 1,300–1,400 a month in 2026.
Does Ecuador accept military pensions for residency?
Yes. The jubilado visa accepts foreign pensions of at least 3 times the basic wage, about USD 1,446 a month in 2026.
What does the Dominican Republic require for retirement residency?
A pension of at least USD 1,500 a month under Law 171-07, plus USD 250 per dependent.
Is there an English-speaking country in Central America for retirees?
Belize. Its QRP program requires USD 2,000 a month in pension or annuity income.
Can military retirees use the commissary in Germany?
Yes, with a retiree ID and a German customs Pink Card, for non-rationed items. Rules come from the host-nation agreement.
Is there a VA office in Germany?
There's no VA clinic. VA staff are at Landstuhl (Benefits Delivery at Discharge) and an Overseas Military Services Coordinator is based in Wiesbaden.
What visa do U.S. retirees use in Italy?
The Elective Residence Visa, which requires passive income (consulates use about EUR 31,000 a year for one person) and housing in Italy.
How much income do I need for Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa?
EUR 2,400 a month (EUR 28,800 a year) for the main applicant, plus EUR 600 a month per dependent.
What is Portugal's D7 visa income requirement?
At least the Portuguese minimum wage, EUR 920 a month in 2026, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% per child.
Does the UK have a retirement visa?
No. Americans usually move on a family visa through a British spouse or partner, or on a work visa.
Can a U.S. veteran retire in Japan?
Japan has no retirement visa. Most veterans living there have a Japanese spouse visa, a work visa or SOFA status through a base job.
Do Americans need a K-ETA for Korea?
U.S. citizens are exempt through December 31, 2026. Check whether the exemption is extended before traveling in 2027.
Is there VA help in Korea?
Yes. VA staff at Camp Humphreys include a Benefits Delivery at Discharge office and an Overseas Military Services Coordinator.
Last reviewed November 2026.